A sailor in the British navy believed in doing his best, whatever the task.Finding himself on KP duty, and facing a big pile of potatoes, he peeled them with the care of a sculptor carving in wood.Cooks on the ships he served began to boast about his smooth spuds. His reputation spread throughout the shipping lanes.Today he's supplying select potatoes, peeled to perfection to the best resaurants in London and prospering.Whatever your task, do your best!The Bible says, "Whatever you do, work ...

As many of you already know, I may not be coo coo for Coco Puffs but I am most certainly crazy in love with Galveston and the beach. Every few months a group of my high school friends plan a lunch down on the coast and invite as many of our classmates as can attend and because I have been so ill I have been unable to attend any of them.

Recently a man by the name of Brian Banks was released from prison. Several years ago he was a star athlete and schools were ready to give him a football scholarship. Then a girl came forward and said that he raped her. All of those schools lost interest in him.

Reading Recommendations: The O'Briens, a novel, Peter BehrensThe O'Briens is a family story unlike any told before, a tale that pours straight from the heart of a splendid, tragic, ambitious clan. In Joe O'Brien, grandson of a potato famine emigrant, and a back woods boy, railroad magnate, patriarch, brooding soul, Peter Behrens gives us a fiercely compelling man who exchanges isolation and poverty in the Canadian wilds for a share in the dazzling riches and consuming sorrows of the twentiet ...

One day, John Wood, the minister went to the railroad round-house to talk with a new member of his congregation. When he reached out to shake the man’s hand, the railroader declined. “My hands are too dirty from working on the engines,” he said.Then John bent over and rubbed his hands in the coal soot that covered the ground.

1 Pedro 1:1-12 Pedro, apostol de Jesucristo, a los expatriados de la dispersion en el Ponto, Galacia, Capadocia, Asia y Britinia, elegidos segun la presciencia de Dios Padre en santificacion del Espiritu, para obedecer y ser rociados con la sangre de Jesucristo: Gracia y paz os sean multiplicadas. Bendito el Dios y Padre de nuestro Senor Jesucristo, que segun su grande misericordia nos hizo renacer para una esperanza viva.

When Travis Blair was around thirteen years old, he and his four younger sisters were about to be separated—adopted out to different families. His father had died and his mother was left to raise and provide for five children on her own in a time where there were very few employment opportunities for women.

It was reported in last weeks Bend news that Jo would be taking some time off and nothing would be put in this week’s paper——the best laid plans do not always work out as you can see.Raymond Hicks reported that Karin Risberg was given a going away dinner June 24, by the members of the Bend Methodist church.

Several years ago I had to be away from home on the fourth of July and I couldn’t be with my family. I usually like to spend that day with friends and family and I especially like to see fireworks. Every time I would go through a different town I would slow down to see what people were doing.

I feel like I just wrote last week’s column and now here I am again. The quilting ladies and I are headed to Fredericksburg on Thursday for our retreat. I have lots of projects for our time together. Although I don’t go on retreats very often anymore, I am looking forward to spending several days with this wonderful group of ladies.

Central Texas Electric Cooperative, (CTEC) notified the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) today that CTEC considers LCRA to be in breach of the Wholesale Power Agreement which is the basis for wholesale energy sales from LCRA to CTEC. The CTEC Board authorized a “Breach of Contract Notice” to the LCRA, citing LCRA’s deliberate discrimination related to access to the competitive power market.

30 Years AgoJuly 8, 1983 The Goldenaires of the San Saba Senior Center sang for the membership meeting of the Historical Society which was held at the museum. They always enjoy sharing their talents with others.The families of Sam, Joe and Will Gay, old settlers of San Saba County, had a family reunion at Sulphur Springs Camp on the Colorado River June 18 and 19.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? At Sky Vacation Bible School, kids discover that everything is possible with God! Sky is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, touch, and even taste! Sciency-Fun Gizmos, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the Sky activities that help faith flow into real life.

The Lower Colorado River Authority is honoring its wholesale power agreements with all its wholesale power customers and is disappointed that some who chose not to renew their contracts allege that LCRA is in breach of those agreements.LCRA received notice Thursday from seven of its wholesale power customers alleging that LCRA is in breach of its contract with them, claiming LCRA is offering a lower price to its long-term customers.

The 33rd and 424th Judicial Districts District Attorney’s Office is proud to announce and welcome Rebecca Lange as its newest Assistant District Attorney. Ms. Lange comes to us after completing a four-year mobilization in the U.S. Army Reserve, first at Ft. Hood in Killeen and then at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio.

On Saturday, July 7th, the Freemasons of San Saba Lodge No. 612 will hold their monthly stated meeting. This will be the first meeting of the new 2012-2013 Masonic Year with new officers in place.Supper will be served at 6:30 p.m. and all Masons are asked to provide a complimentary covered side dish, bread, salad or dessert.

Last Tuesday morning, as the San Saba Sew-N-Sews quilting group gathered around the table at the Presbyterian fellowship hall, our discussion led to remembering antique quilts. Several ladies told stories of relatives giving quilts as gifts or cherished quilts from grandparents. Some of our stories had sad memories for us, because we did not know how to take care of vintage quilts at that time in our lives.

With Independence Day celebrations drawing near, Texas Forest Service officials are reminding residents to exercise caution outdoors and remember that just one spark can cause a devastating wildfire.About 90 percent of wildfires in Texas are human-caused, which means they can be prevented. As residents enjoy building a campfire, shooting off celebratory fireworks in approved areas or cooking on the grill, they’re asked to take a few safety precautions to ensure their homes and families ...

In less than 200 years, America grew from a handful of colonies to become the greatest nation in history. In a few hundred years, we surpassed nations that were many times older. What makes America great? The two main elements that make America great are our people and our freedoms.

Receipts totaled 1163 head for the week. The market was uneven with the uncertainty on the corn crop this year due to the dry conditions in the corn belt area which pushed corn prices up each day this week increasing the cost of gain in the feedlots. Stocker steers were $5 lower but stocker heifers sold $3 higher.

San Saba, June 25, 2012 –San Saba County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Valerie Cortinovis, reminds producers to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage.

Alvis Davis, age 89 of Lampasas, Texas passed away at the Regal Nursing Home in Lampasas, Texas on June 27, 2012. She was born in Algerita, Texas on February 17, 1923 the daughter of Joe and Duria Roberds. She was a LVN for most of her life. Alvis is survived by her son, Hugh Davis and wife, Trudy of Kempner, Texas and son-in-law, Russell Holmes of Burnet, Texas.

John Travis Blair passed away on June 30, 2012 at his home in San Saba, at the age of 86. He was born to John Travis and Lometa Blair of San Saba on April 14, 1926. Travis married Marie Pafford of San Saba in 1944 and moved to California. They had two daughters, Judy and Lynda.

Ron Gerhart, San Saba Co. 4H’er, just returned from Grand Island Nebraska where he participated in the Shooting Sports Nationals. Gerhart was named as an alternate on the 3D archery Texas team.

The Registrar’s Office of Sam Houston State University has released the Dean’s List of Academic Honors for the Spring Semester 2012. The student names listed on the Dean’s List of Academic Honors are undergraduate students who have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.5 in all work attempted while enrolled in not less than twelve semester hours, and have earned no grade in a Developmental course below a grade of B.

The San Saba Ladies Golf Association met June 28, 2012 for play day with the Chair for June, Jo Anne Hardy, calling for the old game we use to play years ago “String”. Each player was given a string with the number of feet of her handicap. This string was to be used wisely.

As I’m writing this article the weekend is not yet upon us, so I can only assume what a great time everyone will have had at the 4th of July celebration! Thank you to the many individuals who worked to put together a great celebration! It’s also exciting when you can celebrate the Fourth more than one day!

Integrity, incentive, inspiration, impulse, purpose, challenges, encouragement: These are immense parts of a strong person. There is a program that is located in the State of Texas that helps the teens who need that little extra help to overcome obstacles. It is called Texas Challenge Academy, formally known as Seaborne Challenge Corps, and it is located in Sheffield, Texas.

The Church of the Open Door Bible Buddies, is sponsoring a Jesus Loves Me Luau at the church, located north on Hwy. 16. The fun begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday July 14, 2012 and is over at 4 p.m. Children 3 years and older are invited. Bring your children for a big day of learning , fun, games etc.The Bible states in Proverbs 22:6.